Bridal Veil Rye Pale Ale

November 1, 2012

Reviewers:Lew Bryson - Stephen Beaumont

Telluride Brewing Co.

Telluride, CO

An American-style pale ale brewed with a generous amount of German rye malt and an abundance of American hops, our ale embodies an earthy flavor and finishes with a hint of spice and big citrus notes. This powerhouse of an ale excites even the most dormant of taste buds.

ABV: 5.5

ABW: 4.3

COLOR: N/A

BITTERNESS: 65

ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 1055

AVAILABLE: CO

I do love a good rye beer, and rye does well with zesty hops: I sense that synergy here. Flying foam that lasts and lasts, piercing pine/citrus aroma and a refreshingly light, quick body full of rye spice—grass, dry mint—and more of those piney, pithy hops. It’s easy to keep drinking this when the finish is wet and quenching, but also bitter and enticing. A great pale ale (at 5.5 percent, not overdone, either) that will work alone or with food.- Lew Bryson

Over the past months, I seem to have come across any number of rye pale ales, many of which seem to be unusually light on the rye factor. But not this one. A single sniff immediately roots out peppery and caraway-edged spiciness, along with the expected piney, citrusy hop notes. In the body, there’s plenty of hop, but also peachy fruit up front and a sweet spiciness both fore and aft. I have a feeling I’d love this with fiery Tex-Mex fare.- Stephen Beaumont

Lew BrysonLew Bryson writes about beer and whiskey from his home in southeast Pennsylvania. He has a family and two dogs. That’s all you need to know.

Stephen BeaumontOnce described as “beerdom’s Brillat-Savarin,” Stephen Beaumont is the author of five books and countless articles on beer, spirits, food, travel and how it all goes together.